Following its busiest year ever in 2012, next year’s festival is set to feature an international line-up of performers with world and British premieres, breathtaking acrobatics and a celebration of the life of a Lowestoft-born composer.

One of the headline events will be the return of How Like an Angel. Held at Norwich Cathedral as part of the London 2012 Festival earlier this year, the show fuses contemporary circus with exquisite singing against the backdrop of stunning architecture.

Another highlight will be a performance of Our Hunting Fathers to celebrate the centenary year of Benjamin Britten.

The festival will also see the hotly-anticipated UK debut of New York-based Nature Theater of Oklahoma’s Life & Times and performances by Portuguese singer Mariza, French music wizard Woodkid and Soul Rebels from New Orleans. Director William Galinsky said: “The shows we are announcing now merely touch on the depth and range of this festival, which I hope will be a true treat for Norfolk audiences, as well as attracting visitors to the county.”

The full programme for the festival, which will run from May 10 to 26, will be unveiled in March 2013.

Tickets will be available from the box office on 01603 766400, www.nnfestival.org or at Norwich Theatre Royal.